Dusky tit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dusky tit |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melaniparus
|
| Species: |
funereus
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Parus funereus |
|
The Dusky Tit (Melaniparus funereus) is a small bird that belongs to the tit family, Paridae. These birds are found in the tropical rainforests of Africa.
For a long time, the Dusky Tit was part of a larger group of birds called Parus. However, after scientists studied their DNA, they decided to move the Dusky Tit to its own group, called Melaniparus. This change happened in 2013.
Dusky Tits are mostly black. They can have brownish or gray colors, which helps tell males from females. These birds are small to medium-sized, usually between 13 and 15 centimeters long. A cool feature is their bright red eyes. You can often hear them making a sound that sounds like “dree di-di-di.”
Contents
What Does the Dusky Tit Look Like?
Dusky Tits have some interesting features that help you tell them apart.
Male Dusky Tits
Male Dusky Tits are mostly black. Their eyes are usually bright red, but sometimes they can be orange-red. They have a small bill, which is a helpful way to identify them. Males are generally a bit larger than females, often measuring 14 to 15 centimeters long.
Female Dusky Tits
Female Dusky Tits look similar to males, but their upper body parts are more of a blackish-gray color. Their tail feathers have gray and brown edges. Like the males, females also have a small bill and red or orange eyes. Females tend to have lighter colors on their faces and underparts compared to males. They are usually a bit smaller, measuring between 13 and 14 centimeters.
Young Dusky Tits
Young Dusky Tits, called juveniles, look a lot like the adult males. However, their upper parts are more blackish-brown. They do not have the glossy, shiny feathers that adult females might show.
Where Do Dusky Tits Live?
Dusky Tits mostly live in humid forests in central Africa. You can find them in countries like Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Uganda, Liberia, Ghana, and Kenya. They also like to live in old plantations, at the edges of farms, and in forests.
What Do Dusky Tits Eat?
Dusky Tits mainly eat small insects and other tiny creatures. Their diet includes beetles, grasshoppers, and small moths. They also enjoy eating seeds and fruits.
Dusky Tit Population
The number of Dusky Tits in the wild is slowly decreasing. It takes about 4.2 years for their population to grow and replace itself. They live across an area of about 20,000 square kilometers. Scientists are still trying to figure out the exact number of these birds. However, they don't think the population is so low that the species is in immediate danger.
Dusky Tit Behavior
Dusky Tits often travel in pairs or small groups. They also sometimes join larger groups of different bird species. They are well-known for their calls, which sound like “dree di-di-di.”
